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Everything you do to stage a holiday bash for your co-workers depends on your personal and corporate style. Some managers throw themselves into the spirit of the season; others are far more buttoned-down. Figure out the tone you want to achieve, and plan from there.

Carefully consider what you call the event: Especially if your workplace includes a diverse swath of employees. Much as it may rankle you personally, a "holiday" or "year-end" party is less likely to alienate than declaring it a Christmas party.

Be clear about who's invited: Will it be employees-only? Plus one? Or will this be a family and friends gathering? Some companies want to toast its team as a show of appreciation, then host a separate event to celebrate the whole gang. While more guests can mean rising costs, including spouses or partners is a show of thanks for the support and sacrifices they offer, too. (And some sources consider it a way to keep a lid on excessive behavior.)

Think about when to schedule your event: The season between Halloween and New Year's Day is crazy for most people (especially those with kids). Consider avoiding the weekends. A weeknight, like Thursday, may be a good choice (all the more if you're able to offer Friday off ). Or even stage a "welcome to 2018" get-together in January.

Figure out a realistic budget: Start with a dollar amount your company can handle, but before you commit, shop around. Once you've gauged prices for food, beverages, paper and plastic goods, decorations, etc., that's when you can determine whether to either trim your expectations or dig deeper for additional funds. So much of the event's success hinges on the spirit of the party.

Do you need to give party gifts?: If yours is a group that requires a bit of, shall we say, "enticement" to attend, that's where the promise of a grab bag of gifts may come in handy. They don't need to be expensive (though throwing in one or two bigger-ticket surprises won't hurt). In advance, announce that they'll be given out on the day or evening of the party.

Accommodate ALL of your guests: That means nonalcoholic beverages along with the beer, wine and spirits. Vegetarians, gluten-free, no red meat — dietary preferences are endless. You probably can't know who has a peanut allergy or won't eat pork (though many will gladly share that info), but it's a show of thoughtfulness to offer a diverse buffet. And make sure you have plenty. You know, go big or go home.

Consider offering drink tickets: Discourage colleagues from raffling them off. And ask others to help keep an eye open for anyone who's overindulging. If you act pre-emptively, it's easier to avoid uncomfortable, obnoxious or potentially dangerous behavior.

Arrange for alternative transportation: And make plans before you need them. Designated drivers, taxis, Uber, some kind of buddy system to get a colleague safely home — those efforts can prevent a tragedy (and potential legal action).

Think pre-emptively: One legal consultant recommends that a week or two before the party, management distributes a memo clearly stating company policy regarding harassment, proper behavior and similar guidelines. Just a discreet reminder.